Consider the following statements with reference to the Wavell Plan:
1. Except the Governor-General all members of the executive council were to be Indians.
2. Hindus and Muslims were to have representation in proportion of their respective populations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation Statement 1 is not correct: Although the war in Europe came to an end in May 1945, the Japanese threat still remained. The conservative government in Britain led by Churchill was keen to reach a solution on the constitutional question in India.The viceroy, Lord Wavell was permitted to start negotiations with Indian leaders. Congress leaders were released from jails in June 1945. With the exception of the governor-general and the commander-in-chief, all members of the executive council were to be Indians. Statement 2 is not correct: Caste Hindus and Muslims were to have equal (Not according to their respective population) representation. The reconstructed council was to function as an interim government within the framework of the 1935 Act (i.e. not responsible to the Central Assembly). The governor-general was to exercise his veto on the advice of ministers. Representatives of different parties were to submit a joint list to the viceroy for nominations to the executive council. If a joint list was not possible, then separate lists were to be submitted. Possibilities were to be kept open for negotiations on a new constitution once the war was finally won.
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